builders are being urged to beef up security at the site of a derelict hospital.

Barratt Homes, which is planning to build 300 flats and houses on the site of the former Middlesbrough General Hospital, needs to act "as a matter of urgency," according to Middlesbrough Borough Council.

The call follows residents' concerns about vandalism and children gaining access to the site.

Executive member for community safety issues, Councillor Barry Coppinger, said: "As far back as September, we wrote to the company pointing out the concerns that the council, Cleveland Police and the fire brigade had.

"When we gave planning consent for this development, we made ensuring adequate security one of the conditions. So far, that condition is not being fulfilled. We all know building sites can be hazardous places, so I hope the company will now act responsibly, play fair by residents and sort this issue out quickly."

"We're fortunate in having the street wardens who are able to keep an eye on the site, but they have other duties and it really is the company's responsibility to secure the site.''

A Barratt spokesman said: "The council did write to us in September but as we were not then owners of the site we forwarded the letter to the health authority.

"Since taking over ownership of the building from the health authority on November 3, we have taken rigorous steps to make it more secure and substantially increased the security presence on site"